Terracotta Warriors light up waterfront
An army of Terracotta Warriors have taken up guard outside Te Papa to light up the waterfront.
The Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors installation was commissioned for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has been travelling around the globe since, visiting anywhere from Prague to Sydney.
Each of the 40 colourful sculptures measures over 2 metres tall and are an accurate replica of China’s Terracotta Warriors. They also double as lanterns, mixing together two key elements of Chinese culture and history.
Te Papa chief executive Geraint Martin said the sculptures were a wonderful feature that also supported the museum’s Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality exhibition.
‘‘I’m looking forward to seeing the lanterns lit up at night, especially on one of those perfect Wellington evenings.’’
During the day, the lights might be off, but the colourful sculptures would still be on display for people to enjoy and take a look at.
Installed on Monday, the selection of sculptures was already drawing visitors as crew laboured to set the warriors, created by artist Xia Nan, up outside Te Papa’s main entrance on Cable St. Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (Wreda) general manager of events Warrick Dent said it was fantastic to have secured such a prestigious art installation for the waterfront.
‘‘The lanterns have wowed crowds everywhere from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Edinburgh, so they will undoubtedly be a big drawcard for both locals and visitors alike,’’ Dent said.
Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors officially opened yesterday, coinciding with Chinese New Year, and will run for nearly three weeks to February 24.
The lit-up warriors were installed through a partnership between Wellington City Council, Te Papa and Wreda and the installation is free for the public to view.
The installation also coincides with a range of other events hosted at different points along the waterfront, including Performance Arcade, Waitangi Day entertainment, Chinese New Year celebrations and Te Matatini Kapa Haka competition.